“Linux could be on the path to greater popularity now that a
number of top developers are shipping or plan to deliver
Linux-based desktop applications.”
“To gain steam, Linux “desperately needs applications,” said
Howard Diamond, chief executive of Corporate Soft- ware &
Technology, a Norwood, Mass.-based VAR.”
“Vendors are listening.”
“Corel Corp., Ottawa, is shipping WordPerfect 8 for Linux and
plans to port its WordPerfect Office suite to Linux by year end.
Corel also is working on an “invisible” Linux operating system and
user-friendly interface.”
“We plan to simplify Linux by creating an easily accessible
desktop environment,” said Corel President and Chief Executive
Michael Cowpland during a LinuxWorld keynote earlier this month.
“The difficult-to-use reputation of Linux will be left behind.”
“Meanwhile, Lotus Development Corp., Cambridge, Mass., promised
to provide a Linux version of Domino by the end of 1999 and may
port its SmartSuite office bundle to Linux.”
“Adobe Systems Inc., which used to offer Unix versions of
PhotoShop, also is taking a serious look at Linux, said Chuck
Geschke and John Warnock, co-chairmen of the San Jose, Calif.-based
developer.”
“Carl Bass, vice president and chief technology officer of
Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, Calif., said he cannot understand why
the industry is excited over technology that is 25 years old.
Autodesk has no plans to port to Linux, he added.”